Copyright and Use of This Thesis This Thesis Must Be Used in Accordance with the Provisions of the Copyright Act 1968

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Copyright and Use of This Thesis This Thesis Must Be Used in Accordance with the Provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS THESIS This thesis must be used in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction of material protected by copyright may be an infringement of copyright and copyright owners may be entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. Section 51 (2) of the Copyright Act permits an authorized officer of a university library or archives to provide a copy (by communication or otherwise) of an unpublished thesis kept in the library or archives, to a person who satisfies the authorized officer that he or she requires the reproduction for the purposes of research or study. The Copyright Act grants the creator of a work a number of moral rights, specifically the right of attribution, the right against false attribution and the right of integrity. You may infringe the author’s moral rights if you: - fail to acknowledge the author of this thesis if you quote sections from the work - attribute this thesis to another author - subject this thesis to derogatory treatment which may prejudice the author’s reputation For further information contact the University’s Director of Copyright Services sydney.edu.au/copyright QUANTIFICATION OF THE RISK OF PHYTOPHTHORA DIEBACK IN THE GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS WORLD HERITAGE AREA Zoe-Joy Newby A dissertation submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney February, 2014 1 Declaration of Originality This dissertation presents the results of research conducted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, of the Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust and the Faulty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney. The content is, to the best of my knowledge, original and contains no work formally published or written by another person except where dully acknowledged. This thesis does not include any material that has been submitted or accepted to any institution for a degree of diploma. Signed, Zoe-Joy Newby ii Abstract Biological invasions exert great pressure on natural ecosystems and conservation areas, the latter of which have been established to conserve biodiversity. The presence of invasive species in natural ecosystems disrupts evolutionary processes, alters species abundance and can potentially lead to extinction (Mack et al., 2000; Crowl et al., 2008). When an invasive species is the cause of plant disease, the potential for that pathogen to survive in a new environment and the expectation of the impacts it may cause, can be estimated from locations where it already occurs. Understanding the dynamics of disease is important for management and research alike, and will hopefully make way for a proactive rather than reactive response. Disease in natural Australian ecosystems caused by the invasive species Phytophthora cinnamomi has been recognised for nearly 100 years (Newhook and Podger, 1972); its devastating impacts have lead to the disease syndrome, Phytophthora dieback, being classified as a Key Threatening Process by the Australian Federal Government (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). Yet, the assessment of potential disease establishment, that is, disease risk, is limited. This remains true for the globally significant Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) in New South Wales, a centre of plant and animal conservation. Not only is the understanding of the pathogen distribution limited, so too is knowledge of the potential impacts on flora and the influence climate change may have on disease expression. Management of Phytophthora dieback in the GBMWHA is made increasingly complex by the rugged and remote nature of much of the World Heritage Area, as well as competing demands from tourism, recreation and the impacts of fire and other introduced species. This study aims to address some of these complexities by establishing the suitability of the GBMWHA to P. cinnamomi, its current distribution and the potential for disease. Additionally, with the difficulty of accessing much of the GBMWHA and the risk of disease transmission in mind, an alternate approach to disease identification is trialed. The first task of this project, was concerned with understanding the potential distribution of P. cinnamomi within the GBMWHA using mechanistic modelling and information on the pathogen’s ecology. Most of the GBMHWA was found to be suitable, leading to the acceptance of the first hypothesis that the climatic and topographic conditions of the GBMWHA are conducive to P. cinnamomi establishment. The most conducive areas were characterised by high soil wetness, high rainfall and moderate temperatures, while the areas least conducive were conversely hotter and drier. Although iii the model appeared to overpredict into areas the pathogen was not found, increasing distribution risk was associated with increasing isolations, possibly indicating that the pathogen is yet to reach its potential niche. The modelled distribution of P. cinnamomi was then used to inform a field investigation to determine the actual distribution in the GBMWHA and assess the impact of the pathogen on vegetation communities and individuals. As an invasive species, the distribution of P. cinnamomi was hypothesised to be primarily found in locations with high anthropogenic activity; however it was isolated extensively from remote areas, leading to the rejection of this hypothesis. Disease was never the less expected, albeit sporadic, as per disease expression in other vegetation communities in New South Wales (Arentz, 1974; Walsh et al., 2006; Howard, 2008). Heathland communities that often have a higher incidence of disease (McDougall and Summerell, 2003), had a high rate of pathogen isolation, as well as clear indications of disease in the GBMWHA. Additionally, freshwater wetlands, many of which are endangered ecological communities under Commonwealth and State legislation, had a high rate of pathogen isolation also. The results collected during the field work were then utilised to assess the risk of Phytophthora dieback occurring in the GBMWHA within the context of the disease triangle. The distribution of P. cinnamomi was combined with models of over 130 individual host species to produce a spatially explicit model, quantifying the risk of disease. That a large portion of the GBMWHA is at risk of Phytophthora dieback was not the case, and as such this hypothesis was rejected. Although much of the World Heritage Area had a least some level of risk, greatest risk was associated with a few small areas that occurred at higher elevations with suitable rainfall and temperature conditions. Unfortunately, many of these locations were associated with high levels of tourism and recreation, highlighting the potential for anthropogenic dispersal of P. cinnamomi into, around and out of the GBMWHA. Disease itself has a temporal element which cannot be quantified in one set of field results and as disease spreads the results become outdated quickly (O'Gara et al., 2005). Field-based assessments of disease are expensive and time consuming, and in area as vast and rugged as the GBMWHA, difficult and potentially dangerous. Real-time information on the impacts of disease are therefore needed by land managers to efficiently deploy management strategies (O'Gara et al., 2005). Remote sensing offers an alternative means of assessment not requiring site entry. Vegetation condition can be assessed remotely in all manner of plant systems including the detection and quantification of disease. As such, it was hypothesised here that infection caused by P. cinnamomi could be detected from iv remotely-sensed reflectance and distinguished from spectral changes caused by water stress. To test this theory, five commonly occurring species within the GBMWHA were infected with P. cinnamomi and their foliar responses were monitored over several months. Phytophthora cinnamomi infection was detected by assessing water content and vegetation indices, and when data dimensionality was reduced using principal component analysis. The response of individual species to P. cinnamomi was, however, variable and difficult to identify once water stress had become severe. Phytophthora cinnamomi infection did not appear to invoke a unique spectral response, and this hypothesis was rejected. However, infection was detectible in some species outside the visible range suggesting the potential for remote sensing to identify presymptomatic disease or disease in asymptomatic plants infected with P. cinnamomi. The results of this research will improve the management of P. cinnamomi in the GBMWHA. Prioritisation of management strategies will be supplemented with the understanding of which areas are at greatest risk of disease, which areas can potentially be protected from infection and what activities are associated with disease. Such information is useful to not only land managers, but other park users including locals, tourists and recreationalists. v Acknowledgments This project would not have been possible without the enduring support of numerous organisations and individuals to whom I am truly gratefully. I would firstly like to acknowledge my principal financial support, the Thomas Lawrence Pawlett Scholarship provided by the Challis Bequest Society and bestowed by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, whom also gave me the opportunity to take on this PhD. Additional financial support has also been provided from the former chair or the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Donald Stammers. My thanks to the The Royal Botanic Gardens
Recommended publications
  • Resource Partitioning Among Five Sympatric Mammalian Herbivores on Yanakie Isthmus, South- Eastern Australia
    Resource partitioning among five sympatric mammalian herbivores on Yanakie Isthmus, south- eastern Australia Naomi Ezra Davis Submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy September 2010 Department of Zoology The University of Melbourne i Abstract This thesis combines multiple approaches to improve our understanding of large herbivore ecology and organisation in a contemporary assemblage made up of species with independent evolutionary histories on Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia. In particular, this thesis compares niche parameters among populations of five sympatric native and introduced herbivore species by simultaneously assessing overlap in resource use along two dimensions (spatial and trophic) at multiple scales, thereby providing insight into resource partitioning and competition within this herbivore assemblage. Faecal pellet counts demonstrated that inter-specific overlap in herbivore habitat use on Yanakie Isthmus was low, suggesting that spatial partitioning of habitat resources had occured. However, resource partitioning appeared to be independent of coevolutionary history. Low overlap in habitat use implies low competition, and the lack of clear shifts in habitat use from preferred to suboptimal habitats suggested that inter-specific competition was not strong enough to cause competitive exclusion. However, low overlap in habitat use between the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and other species, and preferential use by rabbits (and avoidance by other species) of the habitat that appeared to have the highest carrying capacity, suggested that rabbits excluded other grazing herbivores from preferred habitat. High overlap in habitat use was apparent between some species, particularly grazers, indicating some potential for competition if resources are limiting.
    [Show full text]
  • GBMWHA Summary of Natural & Cultural Heritage Information
    GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS WORLD HERITAGE AREA Summary of Natural & Cultural Heritage Information compiled by Ian Brown Elanus Word and Image for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service November 2004 CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2 2. Essential Facts 3 3. World Heritage Values 5 4. Geography, Landscape and Climate 6 5. Geology and Geomorphology 8 6. Vegetation 13 7. Fauna 15 8. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 16 9. Non-Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 18 10. Conservation History 20 11. Selected References 24 Summary of Natural and Cultural Heritage Information Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area November 2004 1 1. INTRODUCTION This document was prepared as a product of the Interpretation and Visitor Orientation Plan for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. It is intended primarily as a summary reference of key information for use by those who are preparing public information and interpretation for the world heritage area. It is not intended to be fully comprehensive and anyone requiring detailed information on any topic is encouraged to refer to the list of selected references and additional material not listed. It is also recommended that all facts quoted here are checked from primary sources. A major source for this document was the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Nomination (see reference list), which is a very useful compendium of information but of limited availability. All other key sources used in compiling this summary are listed in the references, along with some other useful documents which were not consulted. Some items of information contained here (eg. total area of wilderness and comparisons with other east coast wilderness areas) have been derived from original research for this project.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf Blue Gum Forest
    Mt Wilson Mt Irvine Bushwalking Group Volume 24 Issue 4 April 2014 BLUE GUM FOREST – PERRYS TO GOVETTS TOPIC the magical aura which exists OUR MARCH among those majestic Blue Gums. WALK (The full Herald article is BLUE GUM FOREST – reproduced in Andy PERRYS LOOKDOWN to Macqueen’s marvellous book GOVETTS LEAP LOOKOUT Back from the Brink - Blue Friday 21 st March 2014 Gum Forest and the Grose th Wilderness , an absolute ‘must On Saturday 24 October read’ for anyone interested in 1931the Sydney Morning Herald carried a story titled The Blue the history and preservation of Gum Forest – Plea for its this area.) Protection , it read in part: “In the Today’s planned venue heart of the Grose Valley, in the attracted a good roll up with shadow of Mt King George, Autumn in the Bush twenty-three gathering at where Govett’s Leap Creek joins Govetts Leap Lookout. We the Grose, there is a wondrous watched the morning sun forest of tall trees, cathedral-like in its burning through the light haze to illuminate splendour. Mountain mists rise from it in early the surrounding cliffs and glanced, perhaps morning, later a blue haze invests its noble askance, at the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls aisles, and in the evening, when the setting sun from which we will climb later in the day. Our is reflected from an overtowering cliff-face, primary goal for the day was hidden behind sunbeams filter through the trees in shafts of the ridge running down from the base of Pulpit dancing gold.” Rock.
    [Show full text]
  • Trees for Farm Forestry: 22 Promising Species
    Forestry and Forest Products Natural Heritage Trust Helping Communities Helping Australia TREES FOR FARM FORESTRY: 22 PROMISING SPECIES Forestry and Forest Products TREES FOR FARM FORESTRY: Natural Heritage 22 PROMISING SPECIES Trust Helping Communities Helping Australia A report for the RIRDC/ Land & Water Australia/ FWPRDC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program Revised and Edited by Bronwyn Clarke, Ian McLeod and Tim Vercoe March 2009 i © 2008 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 821 0 ISSN 1440-6845 Trees for Farm Forestry: 22 promising species Publication No. 09/015 Project No. CSF-56A The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Muelleria : an Australian Journal of Botany
    Muelleria Volume 5 Number 1 March, 1982 NATIONAL HERBARIUM OF VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY Muelleria Volume 5, Number 1 March, 1982 CONTENTS Page A revision of the genus Templelonia R.Br. (Papilionaceae) — J. H. Ross 1 The nomenclature of some Australian lichens described as Lecanora and Placodium by Miiller-Argoviensis — R. W. Rogers 31 New Australian species of Nymphoides Seguier (Menyanthaceae) — Helen 1. Aston 35 Vegetation of East Gippsland — S. J. Forbes, N. G. Walsh and P. K. Gullan 53 A new Australian lichen: Cladonia sulcata — A. W. Archer 115 Editor: Helen 1. Aston Published by the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL). Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia. D. M. Churchill, Director and Government Botanist. 43346/81 The date of publication of Volume 4, number 4, was 20 May 1981. A REVISION OF THE GENUS TEMPLETONIA R.Br. (PAPILIONACEAE) by J. H. Ross* ABSTRACT The endemic Australian genus Templetonia is revised. Eleven species are recognized and the uncertainty concerning the application of the name T. sulcata (Meissn.) Benth. is discussed. This discussion includes the selection ol a lectotype for Bossiaea rossii F. Muell., a possible synonym. Descriptions, a key to the identification of species, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided, together with notes on ecology and relationships. Two previous papers describing T. incana (.Muelleria 4: 247-249 (1980)) and T. negketa (loc. cit. 390-393 (1981)) should be used in conjunction with the present revision. INTRODUCTION Templetonia, a small genus of 1 1 species described by R. Brown in Ait. f Hort. , Kew. ed. 2, 4: 269 (1812), was named in honour of the Irish botanist John Templeton (1776-1825) ot Orange Grove, Belfast.
    [Show full text]
  • Huiles Essentielles D'eucalyptus Globulus, D'eucalyptus Radiata Et De
    Huiles essentielles d’Eucalyptus globulus, d’Eucalyptus radiata et de Corymbia citriodora : qualité, efficacité et toxicité Nathalie Koziol To cite this version: Nathalie Koziol. Huiles essentielles d’Eucalyptus globulus, d’Eucalyptus radiata et de Corymbia citriodora : qualité, efficacité et toxicité. Sciences pharmaceutiques. 2015. hal-01733789 HAL Id: hal-01733789 https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-01733789 Submitted on 14 Mar 2018 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. AVERTISSEMENT Ce document est le fruit d'un long travail approuvé par le jury de soutenance et mis à disposition de l'ensemble de la communauté universitaire élargie. Il est soumis à la propriété intellectuelle de l'auteur. Ceci implique une obligation de citation et de référencement lors de l’utilisation de ce document. D'autre part, toute contrefaçon, plagiat, reproduction illicite encourt une poursuite pénale. Contact : [email protected] LIENS Code de la Propriété Intellectuelle. articles L 122. 4 Code de la Propriété Intellectuelle. articles
    [Show full text]
  • Jervis Bay Territory Page 1 of 50 21-Jan-11 Species List for NRM Region (Blank), Jervis Bay Territory
    Biodiversity Summary for NRM Regions Species List What is the summary for and where does it come from? This list has been produced by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPC) for the Natural Resource Management Spatial Information System. The list was produced using the AustralianAustralian Natural Natural Heritage Heritage Assessment Assessment Tool Tool (ANHAT), which analyses data from a range of plant and animal surveys and collections from across Australia to automatically generate a report for each NRM region. Data sources (Appendix 2) include national and state herbaria, museums, state governments, CSIRO, Birds Australia and a range of surveys conducted by or for DEWHA. For each family of plant and animal covered by ANHAT (Appendix 1), this document gives the number of species in the country and how many of them are found in the region. It also identifies species listed as Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, Endangered or Conservation Dependent under the EPBC Act. A biodiversity summary for this region is also available. For more information please see: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/anhat/index.html Limitations • ANHAT currently contains information on the distribution of over 30,000 Australian taxa. This includes all mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish, 137 families of vascular plants (over 15,000 species) and a range of invertebrate groups. Groups notnot yet yet covered covered in inANHAT ANHAT are notnot included included in in the the list. list. • The data used come from authoritative sources, but they are not perfect. All species names have been confirmed as valid species names, but it is not possible to confirm all species locations.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Plants of Bendigo
    Produced by Indigenous Plants of Bendigo Indigenous Plants of Bendigo PMS 1807 RED PMS 432 GREY PMS 142 GOLD A Gardener’s Guide to Growing and Protecting Local Plants 3rd Edition 9 © Copyright City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Native Plant Group Inc. This work is Copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the City of Greater Bendigo. First Published 2004 Second Edition 2007 Third Edition 2013 Printed by Bendigo Modern Press: www.bmp.com.au This book is also available on the City of Greater Bendigo website: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au Printed on 100% recycled paper. Disclaimer “The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. This publication is not intended to provide a definitive analysis, or discussion, on each issue canvassed. While the Committee/Council believes the information contained herein is correct, it does not accept any liability whatsoever/howsoever arising from reliance on this publication. Therefore, readers should make their own enquiries, and conduct their own investigations, concerning every issue canvassed herein.” Front cover - Clockwise from centre top: Bendigo Wax-flower (Pam Sheean), Hoary Sunray (Marilyn Sprague), Red Ironbark (Pam Sheean), Green Mallee (Anthony Sheean), Whirrakee Wattle (Anthony Sheean). Table of contents Acknowledgements ...............................................2 Foreword..........................................................3 Introduction.......................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Protected Native Plants) Order 2009 Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
    2009 No 138 New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Protected Native Plants) Order 2009 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 MARIE BASHIR, Governor I, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO, Governor of the State of New South Wales, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of section 115 (2) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, make the following Order. Dated, this 8th day of April 2009. By Her Excellency’s Command, CARMEL TEBBUTT, M.P., Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Explanatory note The object of this Order is to substitute Schedule 13 to the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (the Act) (the Schedule that classifies certain plants as protected native plants). The consequences of a plant being classified as a protected native plant are: (a) section 115A of the Act provides for the preparation of plans of management for any commercial activity relating to a species or group of species of protected native plant if the Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change is of the opinion that the activity has the potential to affect adversely the conservation of the species or group, and (b) section 116 of the Act prevents the issue of licences under the Forestry Act 1916 for the removal of protected native plants from any State forest, timber reserve or Crown land, and (c) section 117 of the Act restricts the picking or possession of protected native plants, and (d) section 118 of the Act restricts the selling of protected native plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Societyforgrowing Australianplants
    Society for Growing Australian Plants (Queensland Region) Inc. Cairns Branch PO Box 199 Earlville Qld 4870 Newsletter No. 101 July 20 10 Society Office Bearers Chairperson Tony Roberts 40 551 292 Vice Chairperson Mary Gandini 40 542 190 Secretary David Warmington 40 443 398 Treasurer Robert Jago 40 552 266 Membership Subscriptions- Qld Region - Renewal $30.00, New Members $35, each additional member of household $2.00 Student - Renewal $20 New Members $25.00, Cairns Branch Fees - $10.00 Full Year To access our Library for the loan of publications, please contact David Warmington Newsletter Editor: Tony Roberts [email protected] Dates to remember Cairns Branch Meetings and Excursions – third Saturday of each month. NEXT MEETING AND EXCURSION 17 July TBA. Please see note below. Tablelands Branch Excursion– Sunday following the meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Any queries please contact Chris Jaminon 4095 2882 or [email protected] Townsville Branch General Meeting Please contact John Elliot: [email protected] for more information Crystal Ball July Aug - Redden Island Our official July excursion was to White Mountains/Burra Range. As only one member Sept – Upper Harvey Ck was able to attend, a second excursion is being Oct - Barron Falls’ boardwalk/Kuranda offered on Sat 17 th July. If you would like to attend, please contact Bob Jago. Once numbers Nov - Ellie Point are ascertained, a local destination will be selected by consensus. July 2010 Page 1 of 5 The eighteenth International Botanical Congress is being held Melbourne in July next year. It is a massive event, held only once every five years.
    [Show full text]
  • The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains Including the Capertee, Coxs, Jenolan & Gurnang Areas
    Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains including the Capertee, Coxs, Jenolan & Gurnang Areas Volume 1: Technical Report Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains (including the Capertee, Cox’s, Jenolan and Gurnang Areas) Volume 1: Technical Report (Final V1.1) Project funded by the Hawkesbury – Nepean Catchment Management Authority Information and Assessment Section Metropolitan Branch Environmental Protection and Regulation Division Department of Environment and Conservation July 2006 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project has been completed by the Special thanks to: Information and Assessment Section, Metropolitan Branch. The numerous land owners including State Forests of NSW who allowed access to their Section Head, Information and Assessment properties. Julie Ravallion The Department of Natural Resources, Forests NSW and Hawkesbury – Nepean CMA for Coordinator, Bioregional Data Group comments on early drafts. Daniel Connolly This report should be referenced as follows: Vegetation Project Officer DEC (2006) The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains. Unpublished report funded by Greg Steenbeeke the Hawkesbury – Nepean Catchment Management Authority. Department of GIS, Data Management and Database Environment and Conservation, Hurstville. Coordination Peter Ewin Photos Kylie Madden Vegetation community profile photographs by Greg Steenbeeke Greg Steenbeeke unless otherwise noted. Feature cover photo by Greg Steenbeeke. All Logistics
    [Show full text]
  • Focusing on the Landscape Biodiversity in Australia’S National Reserve System Contents
    Focusing on the Landscape Biodiversity in Australia’s National Reserve System Contents Biodiversity in Australia’s National Reserve System — At a glance 1 Australia’s National Reserve System 2 The Importance of Species Information 3 Our State of Knowledge 4 Method 5 Results 6 Future Work — Survey and Reservation 8 Conclusion 10 Summary of Data 11 Appendix Species with adequate data and well represented in the National Reserve System Flora 14 Fauna 44 Species with adequate data and under-represented in the National Reserve System Flora 52 Fauna 67 Species with inadequate data Flora 73 Fauna 114 Biodiversity in Australia’s National Reserve System At a glance • Australia’s National Reserve System (NRS) consists of over 9,000 protected areas, covering 89.5 million hectares (over 11 per cent of Australia’s land mass). • Australia is home to 7.8 per cent of the world’s plant and animal species, with an estimated 566,398 species occurring here.1 Only 147,579 of Australia’s species have been formally described. • This report assesses the state of knowledge of biodiversity in the National Reserve System based on 20,146 terrestrial fauna and flora species, comprising 54 per cent of the known terrestrial biodiversity of Australia. • Of these species, 33 per cent (6,652 species) have inadequate data to assess their reservation status. • Of species with adequate data: • 23 per cent (3,123 species) are well represented in the NRS • 65 per cent (8,692 species) are adequately represented in the NRS • 12 per cent (1,648 species) are under- represented in the NRS 1 Chapman, A.D.
    [Show full text]